Exclusive | Apple CEO Tim Cook Rumored to Step Down in 2026

When Tim Cook was appointed CEO of Apple in 2011, things were very different at the company than they are today. Back then, things were the Steve way; right now, however, Tim Cook has changed Apple in so many ways that I couldn’t even attempt to list them all.

Thanks to Tim, Apple is more considerate of its customers when developing new products. For example, we said we wanted more ports on Macs; and engineers have delivered on that with the redesigned MacBook Pros. We also said we wanted official Apple parts for repairs, and Apple eventually announced they would sell their parts to everyone. Steve Jobs would never have done that.

Jobs was more charismatic and a marketing genius, but Tim Cook is a much better CEO from a revenue and product usability perspective. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple has managed to remain the most valuable company in the world for several years. But it’s time for a change.

Tim Cook to Step Down

Tim Cook is eventually stepping down as Apple’s CEO. According to people familiar with the matter, who, of course, wish to remain anonymous, he plans to do so in 2026.

Let’s go over the reasons why this could happen this year and who he will appoint as his successor.

In a recent interview, Tim Cook said he did not see himself as Apple’s CEO in a decade, which is true. Earlier this year, Mark Gurman wrote in his weekly Power On newsletter that it is believed within Apple that Tim Cook only wants to stay for one major product category, and that is AR/VR.

From what I understand, Apple is planning to release a mixed reality headset sometime between late 2022 and early 2023, and a device called Apple Glass is also expected to launch in 2025. This lines up with what I have heard about him retiring from Apple in 2026.

There is, however, another reason for Cook to step down. Just a warning, this is not from any source; I’m just pointing out something that could end up happening.

President Cook

Cook has been rumored several times to be running for President of the United States – and could very well campaign to win the Democratic Party primary for the 2028 presidential election if he stepped down in 2026.

Cook has the platform and the money to do so, and as one of the best CEOs of all time, I don’t think he would have a hard time landing in the Oval Office. But as I said, this is pure speculation; we will have to wait and see what comes of it.

Who Will Become Apple CEO?

I have heard from some sources familiar with the matter that the person selected is Jeff Williams. He has been Apple’s chief operating officer since December 2015. Lately, he has appeared at Apple keynotes more often than usual, he is trusted by all the executives, and is hardworking and willing to compromise with the company. So this alleged decision does not surprise me at all.

Let us know in the comments what you think of these moves, whether you think Tim Cook will finally run for President of the United States, and what you think of Jeff Williams possibly becoming Apple’s next CEO.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]